What is Aromatherapy?

 

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of pure plant essential oils to promote health and wellness.  It is for this reason, that purity and quality of the oils is the significant factor and this is dependent upon variations in soils and climate, organic growing without contaminants, and careful cultivation, harvesting and handling by humans – not machines.  That, together with the fact that it takes an enormous amount of specific parts of plants to extract even a very small amount of pure oil, makes essential oils – especially those from certain plants, and of high quality, very expensive. 

This is why you are not going to find high quality oils that are suitable for therapeutic use available over the counter in stores, and especially not in the large discount and drug stores servicing the everyday needs of the general public.  You certainly will not find them in scented plug ins, air fresheners and cheap scented candles.  Good quality products involves a lot of care and effort and they also cannot be blending in any toxic base without ruining them and creating an unhealthy, non-therapeutic product.  So, in spite of the widely bandied about use of the term “aromatherapy” today, let the buyer beware – unless you are buying real therapeutic products from a professional source, it is not really aromatherapy.

 

In fact if used to refer to a pleasant smell that uplifts the emotions just because you find it so, the proper term is perfume, air freshener or disinfectant.  The effects of real aromatherapy are much more pervasive.

Essential oils are the potent source of plants and herbs – the source form which chemists (pharmaceutical companies) derive chemotypes – the chemical component which they identify as having a specific effect on the body.  They isolate the individual chemotypes, and produce synthesized versions of these.  Occasionally some chemotypes are extracted and put into formulations.  Although the chemotypes are the same, the quality and handing is not, and the extraction often negates the overall beneficial effect that is rendered by synergies of all elements and properties within the natural compound.

 

I am not saying that all manufactured products are bad.  In fact through science, pharmaceutical companies are able to create compounds in which they can control variables such as release into the blood stream, absorption, dissolution and strength.  Drugs are synthesized for the reason of being able to fashion control over action

S, to isolate chemotypes and lets not — forget profit margin.  Scientists have tried to synthesize the chemotypes that have noted effects to make drugs because it is cheaper, faster and easier than properly cultivating real herbs. 

 

How do essential oils work?

 

The healing properties are physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, just as we are.  By working on many levels of healing, they provide a means of bringing ourselves back into balance on all levels. 

The oils take effect by entering the bloodstream and thus the cells of the body, affecting tissues, organ systems and the nervous system.  Whether inhaled, imbibed, or absorbed transdermally, they go into the body and blood and the molecules are small enough to pass the blood brain barrier, thus affecting our mind, moods and emotions. It is in this way that certain oils may act as anti-depressants, euphorics, sedatives or stimulants.  Other oils can help balance the hormones, or act as aphrodisiacs by balancing hormones or mimicking pheromones.

 

How are they used?

 

Essential oils are used in massage, in conjunction with bodywork, acupressure and reflexology to enhance the enjoyment and effectiveness of the work.  Some of the healing properties of essential oil for massage include muscle relaxation, increased circulation, mental relaxation, pain relief, reduction of inflammation.  Some oils are used to aid the flow of ki energy, cleanse the lymphatic system, detoxify or tone various organ systems, and there are many, many more uses.

They may be used at home in diffusers, candles (real aromatherapy candles), incense (real incense), bath salts, lotions, body oils and sprays.

 

Essential Oil Blends

The oils are blended together by skilled aromatherapists to form blends in which the oils work synergistically together, balancing, tempering or enhancing the effects of various oils in the blend.

There are many blends you can create on your own for home use, for effective, yet safe oils.  Choose something you like that suits your mood, or for a certain effect, such as if you are anxious, want to relax, need help sleeping or energizing, consult an aromatherapist or a good aromatherapy book on which oils to use safely.  You can then use these in a spray, oil lotion, bath or diffuser quite easily.

 

Some of My Own Blends

I love creating blends, and as such over the years have created a lot of blends which I will group into the following categories:  therapeutic blends, meditation blends, and what I call Therapeutic Perfumes^®. 

Therapeutic Blends
These are not for a mood or lovely aroma (although many are exquisite – or not), but for their physical benefits.  They may target pain, inflammation, warts, cysts, fever, cold, bronchitis, etc.

Meditation Blends
I have been reading tarot since I was a teen and combined with some study in various tarot and mysticism, I developed a line of blends used for tarot, personal growth using tarot and mediation.  I call the Tarot Oils:  Aromatherapy of the Tarot.  In addition to the tarot oils, there are various simple and lovely blends that can be used for meditation.  The church has for centuries used the potent effects in services, without of course imparting knowledge to the populace of how they work – or that they actually do work!

 For centuries these precious essences have been valued for their spiritual and magical properties.  For those who are consciously on a path of growth and awareness these blends can be of great value along the spiral path.  Use them in diffusers, incense or in small vials for inhalation, mists, or dab a small amount on Chakra centers.  They are great for enhancing and focusing energy work.  You will find that you are drawn to the one that you need when you need it.  You may be working on more than one at any given time.  Use these for growth, as you meditate or just for enjoyment.  They will support you no matter how you use them.

 

Therapeutic Perfumes
Why just smell good when your perfume can be doing something good for you as well, supporting your heath instead of adding toxins to your already overloaded system?  These are real perfumes, made the true way, as of old, from real essential oils.  The scent of real rose, jasmine, and sandalwood is amazing.  People have grown so accustomed to chemical perfumes that they no longer recognize the real thing.  There is no comparison!

Common Sense About Use

These oils and blends are all natural and so are not FDA approved.  These are not medicines.  They are very helpful though for helping us to regain our natural balance and for helping with ailments and aches.  
* IMPORTANT:  Do not ingest oils.  Keep away from eyes.  Keep away from children.  Pregnant or nursing women should consult a clinical aromatherapist, such as The Alchemist, prior to using any essential oils, the same is true for children.  Anyone with seizure disorder or nervous condition must consult prior to using.  Several oils can be dangerous given such conditions.  Keep all oils and blends tightly capped and away from sunlight and heat.  Some examples of our therapeutic blends are:  Sleep Oil for insomnia, Shen, to quiet the mind, Dragon Balm (our own natural tiger balm, really strong), Sinus Blend, Cellulite Blend, Tummy Relief, Headache Relief, PMS, Detox Blend

Note:  Because all products are hand made from all natural products each batch may have subtle differences.  These fine oils are like fine wines, varying from season to season with changes in soil, climate, etc.

Custom Blends

If you have a concern that is not found below, send us an email.  The Alchemist can most probably blend something to suit.

 

Book? 

I have sold my blends for years, and so many people want the recipes for them.  So I am thinking of selling the recipes, or perhaps writing a book of blends.  As I progress on my path, such things are unfolding .

 

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are aromatic volatile liquids extracted from plants.  The best quality oils are extracted by entirely natural means:  steam distillation or cold pressing.  The next best method of with use of solvents.  The better, again, would use a natural fat as a solvent and a very poor quality oil – not suitable for therapeutic purposes used a chemical solvent.   It can take an entire plant to produce a single drop of distilled essential oil, or a room filled to the ceiling with rose petals to get one ounce of rose oil.  Chemically complex, highly concentrated and more potent than dried herbs, they are powerful germicides.

Is diffusing helpful or harmful?  I do not like breathing scents.

Diffused oils increase atmospheric oxygen and freshen the air we breathe. As written in the Essential Desk Reference, research shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may:

• Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold and unpleasant odors (lemon, pine, tea tree)
• Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind (lavender, orange, clary sage)
• Help with weight management (grapefruit, bergamot, peppermint)
• Improve concentration, alertness and mental clarity (basil, petitgrain, myrtle)
• Improve digestive function (peppermint, ginger, anise)
• Relieve headaches (lavender, peppermint)

While a very few people may be allergic to an occasional oil, this is actually quite – and I do mean quite rare.  What most people with allergies and asthma are reacting to, when they think it is just scent in general, is toxic chemicals from synthetic formulations- air fresheners, deodorizers, perfumes, colognes, cleaners, detergents and a host of other chemicals in our environment.  All essential oils are detoxifying, and actually help you rid your body of such harmful toxins.

How can I use essential oils?

The easiest way to use essential oils is to disperse them into the air. Using a diffuser (like the one in this picture) to micromist the oil molecules into the room is the most efficient method of "air delivery."  Soapstone candle diffusers are extremely popular.  Just add water to the bowl of the diffuser and add a few drops of a favorite essential oil , or an essential oil blend.  Place a small cup or saucer with few drops of essential oil by your bed at night for a restful sleep. A few drops on cotton ball over a vent or fan scents a room nicely.  Use this method with central heat/air intakes to help disinfect and clean the air in your home.  Spritzers, essential oils in a water spray bottle can be misted into the air.  Inhaling the mist brings relaxation and relief as does misting over bed linens and into the room air for an all over light scent. 

Incense is a favorite and easy way to enjoy essential oils - just make sure that the incense you use is made with real essential oils and not just "fragrance" oils.  The quality incense is a natural nontoxic binder holding together a resin herb.  The cheap ones use charcoal for the sticks and cones.  You can also burn natural incense – powdered resins, dried herbs, or essential oils over charcoal or wood.  I prefer wood, as charcoal is not so healthy.  If you have allergies or respiratory sensitivities, it is much better to diffuse essential oils in water rather than burn incense.  The same holds true for candles.  Candles are a wonderful way to achieve ambiance and mood through light and scent - but only use true essential oils in a pure base.  Most commercial grade candles use synthetic fragrance in a paraffin base, which is also not the healthiest choice (think about it- you are burning petroleum extract!)  Natural plant waxes and beeswax are healthy choices.

The therapeutic effects of essential oils can be enhanced by absorption through the skin. In this way we enjoy and benefit from essential oils in bath salts, body lotions, massage oils and soaps.

Where to Buy Quality Professional Essential Oils:
I recommned Hands-On Aromatherapy.   It is run by real people who are professional aromatherapists and trained healers.  They buy directly from importers and know how to check for quality.  Their names are Ken and Maria Myrback.  Feel free to give them a call.

http://www.handsonaromatherapy.com/